Boat Trailer Towing Tips

Hitches - The two most common hitches used to tow boat trailers are weight-carrying and weight-distributing hitches. The weight a trailer tongue places on the hitch determines the type of system that should be selected. Weight-distributing or load equalizing hitches are commonly used for trailer tongue weights that exceed 250 lbs. or 15% of the overall trailer weight. Hitches are normally bolted or welded to the tow vehicle frame, use a ball coupler and should have provisions for using safety chains.

Tips for hitch safety:

• Lubricate the coupler for a longer life.
• Never use a ball hitch that is too small for the trailer coupling.
• Ensure safety chains and light wires are long enough to allow for turns, but are not long enough to drag on the ground.
• Cross safety chains under the trailer tongue. This will keep the trailer tongue from hitting the ground if the trailer comes loose from the ball.

Tow Vehicle and Trailer Weight Ratings - Towing a boat trailer safely depends on the proper matching of the capability of the tow vehicle to the boat being towed and matching the capacity of the trailer to the boat being carried. These are the weight ratings that need to be considered before towing a boat trailer and are provided by all manufacturers:

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - This is the overall weight a vehicle can carry when fully loaded.
• Trailer Weight Rating or Towing Capacity of Tow Vehicle - Tow vehicle capability is dependent on many factors. Some are engine size, GVWR, vehicle length, and the individual ratings of components like wheels, tires, and axles. Many manufacturers provide this information and offer towing equipment packages for their vehicles.
• Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) - Maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, boat, fuel, equipment and passengers comnbined.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - The maximum weight that can be carried by a single axle
• Tongue Weight - The amount of weight that the trailer tongue places on the tow vehicle

Safe Trailer Loading - Controlling the boat trailer during towing depends on properly distributing the weight the trailer is carrying. A few things to think about:

• Keep the center of gravity as low as possible
• Distribute weight evenly along the length of the boat trailer. Approximately 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle within tongue weight limits
• Distribute weight evenly from side to side. Side mounted fuel or water tanks can affect balance
• Tow vehicle and trailer should be parallel to the ground during movement
• The boat should be secured to the trailer with ratchet style straps at the bow and stern and the bow eye should be attached to the trailer winch

Trailer Towing Techniques - Here are a few tips on how to tow a boat trailer safely:

• Allow for more time to accelerate, pass and brake. Greater vehicle length and weight slow acceleration and increase braking distance a great deal.
• Make wider turns.
• Operate at moderate speeds to reduce sway and allow for adequate reaction time.
• Avoid sudden starts, stops or turns that can cause trailer instability or swaying.
• Practice towing and backing a boat trailer in a vacant parking lot before nearing a launch ramp
• Do not allow passengers to ride in a boat being towed on a street or highway
• When parking on inclines always use the parking brake.